Documents found by the newspaper show they, along with bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan, own 'a 50 per cent stake in the profits with a 10 per cent share each in the company'.

The news may irritate fans after being encouraged to support them by the chart-toppers.

The Australian act- Calum Hood, 18, Michael Clifford, 18, Luke Hemmings, 18, and Ashton Irwin, 20 - are frequently mentioned in their tweets and have featured on their sold-out world arena tour.

Earlier this year Louis tweeted: 'Hearing @5SOS on the radio is a great way to start the day. Proud of you lads!!'. At the same time Liam tweeted: 'New @5SOS single ‘Don’t Stop’ is out now! Loving the track guys, go check it out.'